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Posts: 52...I see a challenge headed for me! I checked through the challenge gallery and this forum and I didn't manage to see this one done before. Inspired by Kelly and others more "realistic" bears, here's my challenge:
Make a realistic bear (or a bear inspired by realism). It can be any species of bear (even extinct species!) but it must resemble an actual species and have realistic colors. The challenge is to make it look more realistic than your average teddy (while still being creative and interesting of course!).
Here's some bear species, in case you're stumped:
Asiatic Black Bear: 
Black Bear: 
Brown Bear: 
Polar Bear: 
Sloth Bear: 
Spectacled Bear: 
Sun Bear: 
Extinct species of bear (obviously a little more imagination is required with these!):
Agriotherium
Ailuropoda microta
Arctodus simus
Bear dog
Cave bear
Cephalogale
Dwarf Panda
Hemicyon
Hemicyonidae ("dog-bear")
Kolponomos
Kolponomos newportensis
MacFarlane's Bear (disputed)
Parictis
Good challenge? Anyone into it? 
Count me in! :dance: :dance: :dance:
I find real bears to be very inspiring, and it's wonderful that you took the time to give us all of these references. (I'm off to do some research on extinct bear species. :))
Becky
Posts: 52Count me in!
Becky
Awesome!! I'm going to try to do an extinct one too maybe - I've always been utterly charmed by the bear-dog (Amphicyonidae) family myself! Either that or maybe a sun bear....
near Colognenow that's a great challenge theme (as I planned to do a realistic bear some months ago) - only that I absolutely have no time! 
Not me...I am not that talented!!!
I've chosen a bear! :dance: :dance: :dance: (secret for now)
I'm also using synthetic fur, so it's a double challenge for me. (My mohair and I go way back. :lol:)
Becky
I hope someone makes a Spectacled Bear. They are so cute!
BrisbaneOhh count me in. I was dabbling with a realistic pattern a few months ago. This gives me an excuse to finish the prototype and then make him in realistic colours.
I can't wait to see them! I think it takes a special talent to make these.
Here are the paw pads for my realistic-bear-to-be. I've done the first steps of trapunto, so once they're sewn in, I'll make slits and slip some stuffing under the leather pieces. I'll also try pulling the toes once the bear is assembled.
This is a fun challenge!
Becky
florida They look great! :dance:
BrisbaneLove those pawpads! Once I get these four competition bears out of the way I can start working on my realistic bear.
Thanks, Heidi and Teeeej! And good luck with those competitions. :dance:
Becky
Is it a grizzly in the grass? No, it's a Kermode or Spirit Bear. He's a big bruin at 23" tall.
The realistic elements I decided to try were the trapunto paw pads and the non-gathered neck, but the really challenging part turned out to be working with the long, dense faux fur. Every single step took longer. But I do like the result! (Oh, he has a little tail as well. ;))
Becky
BrisbaneHe looks great! I have been trying to work on my prototype this weekend. But my nephew is visiting and I have not got much sewing done.
The Littlest ThistleAww, great job Becky
florida Lovely bear!! 
the long fur and paw pads were definitely an excellent touch! He looks just like a real bear yet still so soft and cuddly too 
.
Thanks very much, Teeej, Katy, and Heidi! :hug: :hug: :hug:
I like that he came out only about 50% realistic (and the rest is all teddy bear :)).
Becky
GermanyGreat work, Becky! He is a good bear with a nice character.
MelbourneHe looks great Becky. Must have taken awhile to stuff!
Thank you, Conni and Di, and yes - everything took awhile with this bear!
Becky
Wagga WaggaWOW how clever are you!!! He looks great. :clap: :clap:
Aww...Thank you, Leanne! :hug: :hug: :hug:
For anyone who wants to see the real Kermode, here is a terrific online photo album: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/ … hotography
Becky
Braille TeddiesBecky, I think your bear needs a big squuz.
That he does, Wubbie!
Becky
